Home financing in Bladen County.

Qualification is not one-size-fits-all. Lenders look at four main things: income, credit history, debt-to-income ratio, and the property itself. Here is how those factors play out in Bladen County:

**Income:** If you work at a poultry plant, a farm, a construction site, or run your own business, lenders will want to see at least two years of consistent income. Self-employed buyers typically need two years of tax returns showing net income. Seasonal workers can qualify if their employer confirms recurring seasonal employment.

**Credit:** FHA loans accept scores as low as 580. USDA loans typically want 640 or higher, though some lenders manually underwrite lower scores. If you have no credit score — common if you are newer to the U.S. financial system — some CDFI lenders and credit unions will use alternative credit history: rent payments, utility bills, or remittance records.

**ITIN buyers:** If you do not have a Social Security number but do have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can still buy a home. ITIN mortgages are offered by select lenders and credit unions. You will typically need two years of ITIN-filed tax returns, a larger down payment (often 10–20%), and documented residence history.

**Debt-to-income ratio:** Most lenders want your total monthly debt payments — including the new mortgage — to be no more than 43–45% of your gross monthly income. USDA loans cap it at 41% in most cases.

**The property:** USDA and FHA loans have property condition requirements. Very old homes, manufactured homes on rented land, or homes with significant structural issues may not qualify for certain loan types. A local lender familiar with Bladen County housing stock can guide you early.

Starting your paperwork early saves time and reduces stress. Here is a practical checklist for Bladen County buyers:

**Identity and residency:**

- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID)

- Social Security number or ITIN

- Proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreement)

**Income documentation:**

- Last two years of federal tax returns (all pages, all schedules)

- Last two years of W-2s or 1099s

- Most recent 30 days of pay stubs (if employed)

- If self-employed: business bank statements for 12–24 months, and a profit-and-loss statement

- Award letters for Social Security, disability, or pension income

**Assets:**

- Last two to three months of bank statements (all pages)

- Documentation of any gift funds (a gift letter from the donor)

**Credit and debts:**

- A lender will pull your credit report; you do not need to bring it, but know what is on it

- Account statements for any outstanding loans or credit cards

**Property:**

- If you have already found a home: the purchase agreement or listing address

- If buying land and placing a manufactured home: documentation of the land (deed or purchase contract)

**Tip:** Keep digital copies of everything in a folder. Many Bladen County residents work with lenders by phone and email, so organized scanned documents move things along quickly.